FastBlade is officially open! UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord cut the ribbon on Friday 13th of May 2022 on the world’s first rapid and super-efficient testing facility for tidal turbine blades and other composite structures. The world's first rapid testing facility for tidal turbine blades. We are proud to introduce pioneering technology that promises to accelerate the development of marine energy technologies while reducing costs. Our state-of-the-art facility, located in Rosyth, Fife, aims to maintain Scotland's position at the forefront of tidal energy development.
FastBlade is an engineering partnership between the prestigious University of Edinburgh and renowned engineering company Babcock International. Supported by a generous £1.8 million grant from the UK Government, via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), FastBlade is set to revolutionize the industry.
Our facility boasts a remarkable 75-tonne reaction frame capable of subjecting turbine blades, exceeding 13 meters in length, to powerful forces. Through the use of our unique digital and hydraulic technology systems, developed by engineers at the University of Edinburgh, we can simulate the stresses experienced by these blades over two decades at sea in less than three months.
Beyond its groundbreaking testing capabilities, FastBlade also aims to provide developers with invaluable data on the deterioration of tidal turbine blades over time. Armed with this knowledge, we can optimize the design of more durable and efficient structures, ushering in a new era of clean and reliable renewable energy.
FastBlade is not only committed to advancing technology but also to nurturing talent and fostering skills development. We offer client businesses, engineering students, and apprentices the opportunity to develop their digital and data skills in our cutting-edge research center. Together, we can equip the next generation with the expertise needed to shape the future of sustainable technology.
Our facility's versatility extends beyond tidal blades as well. FastBlade's innovative technology can be employed to test lightweight bridge sections and aircraft wing components, showcasing its wide-ranging potential. FastBlade proudly represents the first facility to open within the Arrol Gibb Innovation Campus (AGIC), a multi-partner innovation center at Babcock's Rosyth site. AGIC aims to collaborate with companies in the marine, nuclear power, and energy-transition sectors to drive large-scale manufacturing through innovation and skills development.
At FastBlade, we are committed to revolutionizing the tidal energy industry and driving the global adoption of sustainable power sources. Together with our partners, we are shaping the future of renewable energy, one turbine blade at a time. Join us on this remarkable journey toward a cleaner and more sustainable world.
We were joined by press, photographers and broadcast media, please see below for links to just some of the great coverage we received:
